Pivotable boom golf swing improvement device

ABSTRACT

A golf swing practice and improvement device is disclosed for better training the golfing enthusiast to make straighter shots when hitting a golf ball, without hooking or slicing the ball. The device is provided with an adjustable boom assembly supported to provide three-dimensional positioning to a head guide assembly attached to the boom assembly. The head guide is provided so that it can be placed at lateral or side portions of a golfer&#39;s head to guide and keep the head in position while the golfer is making their golf club swing to the golf ball. The boom assembly is made to be withdrawn from the golfer&#39;s head just after the golfer makes contact in swinging their gold club with the ball. In doing so the golfer trips a sensing assembly of the invention when following through with the shot which provides an activating force or signal to move the head guide assembly away and above from the golfer&#39;s head, while permitting the golfer to make a natural follow-through with their swinging club after hitting the golf ball.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSerial No. 61839378 filed Jun. 26, 2013, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference, as if copied verbatim in its completeentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a boom and support device for helpingto improve the swing of a golfer.

2. Background Information

For over the last 100 years or more various devices have been madeavailable to help to assist the golfer to improve their swing in thegame of golf; and to thus prevent slicing, hooking or otherimperfections in the golf swing which often led to inaccurate shots orshots that were not straight and able to place the golf ball at anintended target on the golf course. Many hundreds of inventions werepresented all over the world, which in some way attempted to addressthis objective in making a person more capable of hitting a straight ormore accurate golf shot.

As indicated, hundreds of such devices were invented around the worldand made the subject of patentability. However, only a small number ofthese many inventions were able to make any contribution to utilizingthe position of the golfer's head region to help to bring about a moreproper golf shot, such that they held the golfer's head area in a stablebut flexible position and released the golfer's head position only afterthe golf ball was stuck by the practicing golfer. The present inventionthus meets an important need, in its structure and functional operation,to guide the position of the head more properly as one is making a shotsuch that a straight or more accurate golf swing and shot can be broughtabout through the use of the present device; and such that training andpracticing on the present Golf Swing Improvement Device will result inmore accurate and straight golf shots when one is not using the presentdevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objects of the invention can be achieved withthe present invention's device and system. In one aspect, a generallyelectrical and mechanical device having a longitudinal and horizontalground support and upwardly extending (in relation to a ground surface)vertical boom support member is provided for positioning in or on, or inrelation to, a desired outside or inside ground or floor surface. Thevertical boom support is utilized to adjustably position the presentinvention's boom subsystem so that it is three-dimensionally adjustablein positional relation to the dimensional aspects of a person's headregion, utilizing the present invention. The boom subsystem utilizes anoutside surfacing and an internally joining, movable inside surfacing toeffect pivotable movement of the boom subsystem. The inside surfacing isconnected to a removable and adjustable head subassembly at one of itsends and a catch or trigger receipt portion at its other end. A biasablemember is attached to the inside surfacing proximate to the headsubassembly of the boom subassembly and extends to a securement portionon the outside surfacing or to the pulley and support coupling securedto, or coupled with, the vertical boom support and the outside surfacingof the boom subassembly. Thus, when the biasable member is extended andthe boom subassembly is in cocked or in set position, triggering of themovable and pivotable inside surfacing causes the head portion to moveor pivot toward the opposite end of the outside surfacing of the boomsubassembly, away from the golfer's head position. In one aspect of theinvention the outside surfacing supports a mechanical triggeringmechanism for contact when the inside surfacing is so positioned withits trigger receipt portion to hold the inside surfacing in position forpivotable motion release of the inside surfacing. In another aspect ofthe invention an electrical solenoid or release means is secured on theoutside surfacing on the boom, with an extendable arm or trigger whichcommunicates with the trigger receipt portion of the internal surfacing,for cocking and release of the inside surfacing. The invention isprovided in fully mechanical embodiments and fully electronicembodiments, or in mixed mechanical and electrical components for use bythe practicing golfer.

In one aspect of the invention a mechanical golf club trip lever isadjustably positioned and secured on a forward portion of thelongitudinal ground support which is positioned proximate and underneaththe above-positioned head subassembly when a person is standingproximate and over the forward portion of the longitudinal groundsupport, placing themselves in a position to hit a golf ball. The golfclub trip lever is communicated by a cord, flexible attachment or cablemeans to the trigger such that when the golf club strikes the club triplever the trigger is actuated to release the trigger receipt portion ofthe inside surfacing such that the inside surfacing and the attachedhead subassembly move away from the person's head as the person followsthrough with their golf swing. In another aspect of the invention thegolf club trip lever is engaged with an electrical switch which actuatesthe solenoid or electrical release means to release the extendable armor trigger such that the inside surfacing pivots away from the usershead taking with it the head subassembly. Thus, through the employmentof either aspect of the present invention the head subassemblycomfortably holds the head in a proper position while one is making agolf swing such that the head subassembly is not released and withdrawnfrom the golfer's head portion until the golfer makes contact with thegolf ball, and simultaneously or contemporaneously engages the golf clubtrip lever; and is in the process of completing follow-through on theirgolf shot. Other aspects of the present invention more comfortablyfacilitate the re-cocking or re-setting of the inner surfacing of theboom subassembly for re-use for another golf shot through a cable andpulley or electrical means, and also protect or cushion the golf clubduring its final follow-through after the golf shot is made using thedevice. An additional aspect of the invention provides for rollersupport or other internal guidance and support means so that the innersurfacing is stabilized as it is pivoted within the outer surfacingafter triggering, or in the process of re-setting the device for re-use.Still further aspects of the invention provide a non-rigidly positioned,safety head subassembly which will non-bindingly and adjustably positionthe user's head in a proper, but comfortable, position for making aproper swing; and which will comfortably remove itself from the user'shead after the golf ball is struck by the golf club in a substantiallynon-frictional and non-abrasive manner.

In another aspect of the invention the element of the inventiondescribed or illustrated herein as the vertical upright boom supportmember (14) is positioned in a diagonally positioned orientation, wherethe power and triggering elements are directly and activationallycoupled to the element which was original shown or described herein asthe boom subassembly (16). An additional vertically positioned biasingsupport member is then biasably attached to the new boom assembly whenin set position. The coupled and substantially horizontally positionednew boom assembly, when set, then is connected to the head guidingsubassembly (30) described and illustrated herein. In so doing the headsubassembly lifts up from the golfer's head rather than backward; anddescribed in more detail herein.

It is an object of the present invention to fulfill a substantial needin the golf swing device technology in providing a reasonably light,easily transportable unit and system which can be set up and used easilyby the practicing golf person; and which can be used by left and righthand golf club-swingers as well as tall or short persons (or children).

It is a further object of the invention to provide a golf practicingdevice and system which enables its head subassembly to easily andcomfortably fit around lateral areas of a person's head region, forcomfortable and releasable guidance when the golfer is practicing theirswing, and to provide the head subassembly so that it can be easilyadjusted in three-dimensional adjustment to achieve this positionalpurpose. In this regard it is also an objective to provide a golf-swingguidance head subassembly which is removed from around lateral areas ofa golfer's head region as soon as the golfer makes contact with the golfball during their swing, such that golf swing follow-through is notimpeded.

A further object is present with the novel golf swing device inproviding a means for guidance of golf-club follow-through, andprotection and guidance for the club when the golfer follows throughwith their swing after hitting the golf ball, as well as protection forthe cord relay tripping mechanism (when utilized) or electronicactivating switch, the two principle preferred embodiments of thepresent invention set forth herein, along with the respective preferredembodiments of particular parts or elements of those embodiments.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide agolf-swing practice device which is very easy and user-friendly to resetor reload or re-cock for time-efficient reuse of the present PIVOTABLEBOOM GOLF SWING IMPROVEMENT DEVICE.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a triggering subassembly of amechanical embodiment of the PIVOTABLE BOOM GOLF SWING IMPROVEMENTDEVICE of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a further side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,illustrating both cables used in the mechanical embodiment of thepresent invention in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the vertical attachment coupling of theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment utilized in both mechanical and electricalembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side elevated perspective view of the lower portion ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a photographic view of another embodiment of the inventionshowing the central and front or forward end portions of the boomsubassembly of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a photographic view of the rear end of the boom subassembly ofthe embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8A is a photographic view of the rear or further end of the insideguide member of the boom subassembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7,showing a preferred embodiment for attachment of the relatch cord orcable of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a photographic view of a frontward portion of the of the boomsubassembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a photographic view of a rearward portion of the boomsubassembly setting forth an elevated view thereof, of the embodiment ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 10A is a photographic side view of the frontal portion of the boomsubassembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10B is a photographic side view of a portion of the inside guidemember of the embodiment of FIG. 7 of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side photographic view of an end portion of the boomsubassembly of the present invention showing in part the trigger rockerarm of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a further enlarged elevated photographic view of the elementsof the sensing subassembly of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a photographic illustration of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing the entire device of the invention, set up generallyfor a left-handed practicing golfer.

FIG. 14 is a further photographic illustration of the invention showingthe entire device of the invention, set up generally for a right-handedpracticing golfer.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged photographic view of a rearward portion of theboom subassembly of the invention showing the trigger rocker arm inposition holding the inside guide member for release after thepracticing golfer strikes the golf ball and triggers the golf clubsensing subassembly of the invention.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 17 are photographic illustrations of preferredembodiments of the vertical attachment couplings used in connection tothe vertical upright boom support member of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a photographic view of a portion of the boom subassembly ofan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a partially elevated view of a solenoidembodiment of the triggering subassembly of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a photographic illustration another embodiment of theinvention showing the boom and head subassembly in raised position afterthe golf ball has been hit and the pivoting mechanism of the boom hasbeen activated.

FIG. 21 is a photographic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 20,where boom and head assemblies are in set position for the golfer toposition their head prior to hitting a golf ball.

FIG. 22 is a photographic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 20showing a close-up side view of the base subassembly and supportedelements of this embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a further photographic illustration of the embodiment of FIG.20 showing the support subassembly.

FIG. 24 is a photographic illustration of the embodiment of FIG. 20,showing bottom portions thereof, and the modified sensing device of thisembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a further photographic view of bottom portions of theinvention shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a photographic view of elements supported or attached to thediagonal support subassembly (160).

FIG. 27 is a further photographic view of boom and head subassembly ofthe embodiment of FIG. 20.

REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE APPLICATION

-   1 golf ball-   2 practicing golfer or golfer-   3 golf ball hitting platform or mat-   4 moving golf ball hitting platform or mat (3) into position desired    by golfer (2) for striking or hitting the golf ball (1)-   5 golf club-   10 the present invention, the PIVOTABLE BOOM GOLF SWING IMPROVEMENT    DEVICE or invention's device or system, or Golf Device-   12 base subassembly-   12A elongated base member-   12B crossing base member-   14 vertical upright boom support member-   14A collar support of boom support (14)-   14B adjustment member of collar support (14A)-   15 movable hinge member-   16 boom subassembly-   16A outside support member or surfacing-   16B pivotable or slideable inside guide member or surfacing-   16F forward portion of boom subassembly (16)-   16H hole, groove or reception area provided on and in the outside    guide member (16A)-   17 vertical attachment coupling (used to movably/adjustably connect    the outside support member (16A) to the vertical upright boom    support member (14))-   18 triggering subassembly (solenoid, examples FIGS. 7, and 18 or    mechanical trigger, examples FIGS. 1, 2 and 3)-   18A trigger-rocker arm-   18B triggering base-   20 power, power cell or battery cable-   22 club contact switch cable-   21 battery cable (20) leading to (which leads to) the battery or    power means (26) of the electrical embodiment of the present    invention (10).-   23 club contact switch cable (22) leading to (which leads to) the    club contact switch subassembly (25)-   25 club contact switch subassembly-   26 battery or power means-   28 roller subassemblies (at least one thereof or group of such    assemblies)-   28A roller subassembly no. 1, show by example-   28B roller subassembly no. 2, show by example-   28C roller subassembly no. 3, show by example-   28D roller subassembly no. 4, show by example-   28F support frame of each respective roller subassembly (28)-   28R respective roller member of subassembly (28)-   30 head guiding subassembly-   32 lateral head position placements of the head guiding subassembly    (30)-   34 head position hinge members of the head guiding subassembly (30)-   36 padded members of the head guiding subassembly (30)-   37 biasing means attachment member of the head subassembly (30)-   38 biasing means or member-   116A forward or frontal end of the inside guide member (16B)-   116B rearward or further end of the inside guide member (16B)-   117A latching member of vertical attachment coupling (17)-   117B bolting member of vertical attachment coupling (17)-   117C bolting stem of bolting member (117B)-   117D bolting stem of bolting member (117B)-   117E vertical adjustment sleeve, in preferred embodiment, of    vertical attachment coupling (17)-   117F tightening component of vertical adjustment sleeve (117E)-   118 supplementary retaining bolts on the latching member (117A)-   119 cable pulley member-   120 relatch rope, cord or cable-   122 secondary cable or rope pulley-   124 accessory u-bolt member subassembly-   126 accessory biasing member (FIG. 6)-   121A nut portion of outside guide member (16)-   121B bolt or threaded portion for connection, of the head guiding    subassembly (30)-   121C buffer member installed on inside guide member (16B)-   130 golf club sensing subassembly-   132 forked member of sensing subassembly (130)-   134 sensing switch unit-   136 protective, cushioning and flexible tubing member-   138A respective fork portion of the forked member (132)-   138B further respective fork portion of the forked member (132)-   139 adjustable bolt member of the forked member (132) of the golf    club sensing subassembly (130)-   140 arm member-   140A adjustable sub-member of the arm member (140)-   140B golf club contact tubing of sub-member (140A) and arm member    (140)-   142A pivot connection member-   142 switch unit base-   142B push-button switch member of the switch unit base (142)-   150 additional cord or cable for use with golf club sensing    subassembly (130)-   160 diagonal support subassembly-   162 collar portion-   161 collar securement member-   164 modified triggering subassembly-   166 electrical activation subassembly-   168 modified trigger arm extension member-   169 modified biasing trigger bolt member-   170 modified boom subassembly-   171 pivotal support pin-   171A channel for receiving support pin (171)-   172 extension support post member-   173 biasable member-   174 modified coupling assembly-   175A electrical wire (connecting the activation subassembly (168) to    an electrical power source 175B)-   175B power or activation source-   180 modified sensing subassembly-   182 first extension leg contact member-   184 second extension leg contact member-   185 extension club warning member (attached to support member 14) or    elongated base (12A))

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the conceptsand teachings of the present invention is made in reference to theaccompanying drawing figures which constitute illustrated examples ofthe teachings, and structural and functional elements, of the presentinvention's device and system; among many other examples existing withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring now to the exemplar drawing illustrations, FIG. 1 through 27,thereof, there are illustrated, aspects of an exemplary preferredembodiments of the present invention, the PIVOTABLE BOOM GOLF SWINGIMPROVEMENT DEVICE or invention's device or system, or Golf Device, 10.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 17, 13, and 20; in preferred embodiments the GolfDevice and system of the invention 10 is provided with a basesubassembly 12, having a longitudinal and elongated base member 12A anda crossing base member 12B. In preferred embodiments the subassembly 12has a pivotable crossing base member, so that the device can be moreeasily stored, moved or transported, when the crossing member is pivotedor moved generally to the axis of the elongated base member 12A. Thebase 12 is preferred constructed or fabricated with a plastic, polymer,wood or a light metal which is durable and strong, and which is providedat a low mass or overall weight, for ease of movement, shipping andtransportation. It will be understood that a diverse number offabricating materials can be used for this purpose. Each of the basemembers 12A and 12B can be fabricated in multiple sliding parts for easeof storage, positioning and transportation. However, it is preferredthat each of the base members be of one-piece construction, and attachedto one another as shown by example in FIGS. 17, 13, and 20, where thecrossing base 12B is securely attached to the elongated base 12A in abasically perpendicular positional orientation, but such that it can bepivoted to a different angle if needed by release or adjustment of thebase connection member 12C.

The Golf Device 10 utilizes a vertical upright boom support member 14which is attached to the elongated base member 12A and extends upward orspaced from the base 12A in a substantially perpendicular spatialorientation. In preferred embodiments the boom support 14 is provided ina rigid position on the elongated base 12A which can be positioned andsecurely attached as desired with respect to the vertical positioning ofthe support member 14. In another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention 10 a pivotable and movable hinge member 15 is provided whichallows the vertical support 14 to be moved downwardly in a position onor proximate to the elongated base 12A for transportation, yet permitsthe vertical member to be extended upward in a locked position when thedevice 10 is used. The vertical boom support 14, in one preferredembodiment, is attached to the collar support 14A, having its adjustmentmember 14B. Thus the collar support 14A is slideably and adjustablytracked and fit around the elongated base member 12A for adjustablepositioning as shown by example in FIGS. 17, and 20; or which can alsobe non-movably secured to the base member 12A as an upper platform piecefor rigid installment, as illustrated by example in FIG. 6.

The boom subassembly 16 is provided with an outside support member orsurfacing 16A and a pivotable or slideable inside guide member orsurfacing 16B. Although different configurations of the members 16A and16B can be utilized, in preferred embodiments of the invention 10 it ispreferred to use square tubing for the outside member 16A and a solidsquare elongated piece for the inside guide member 16B such that it canbe slid and pivotable within the outside support member 16A. The outsidesupport 16A is attached in a movable or adjustable manner to the boomsupport member 14, where it can be fixed and secured to the boom support14 for use in one position, and can be releasably adjusted to move theoutside guide member to another position on the vertical support 14, sothat positional adjustments can be made to accommodate the size andheight of the practicing golfer using the device 10. In preferredembodiments of the invention 10 the vertical attachment coupling 17 isrigidly attached to the outside support member 16A, as shown by examplein FIGS. 4, 7, 9, and 18.

The triggering subassembly 18 of the invention 10 is securely fixed toand supported by the outside guide member. In preferred embodiments ofthe device 10 the triggering subassembly 18 is provided as a pivotablemechanical member as shown by example in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3; and also asan electrical magnetic movement means such as a solenoid unit, asillustrated by example in FIGS. 7, 9, 13, 20, 18 and 19. The solenoidunit, as the triggering subassembly 18, when employed in preferredembodiments, is provided with the trigger-rocker arm 18A. An example ofits preferred embodiment is illustrated at FIGS. 7, 9, 10A, 17, and 18.The solenoid unit, as so used, in this preferred embodiment of thepresent invention 10, is provided with a power, power cell or batterycable 20 having at least two wires connected to the solenoid, asillustrated by example in FIG. 19. The battery cable 20 leads 21 to thebattery or power means of the electrical embodiment of the presentinvention 10. The solenoid unit is also provided with the club contactswitch cable 22 which leads 23 to the club contact switch subassembly 25positioned for the golfer at the forward position of the golf device 10when in assembled position. It will be understood within the spirit andscope of the present invention that the wiring, activation and power foroperation of the solenoid as the triggering subassembly 18 or equivalentelectrical means can be wired, supplied or activated by a number ofdiverse arrays of electrical wiring, electrical or other wirelessimpulse or mechanical means such that the triggering subassembly 18 isactivated and made the subject of movement of the trigger rocker arm 18Aor equivalent activating triggering means to engage and activatemovement or engagement of the inner guide member 16B, and as furtherdiscussed herein.

The solenoid triggering subassembly 18 can be mounted directly to theoutside support member 16A; but, preferably, is mounted on thetriggering base 18B; shown by example in FIGS. 7 and 9.

The boom subassembly 16 is further provided with at least one rollersubassembly 28 (or group of such assemblies), shown herein by example assubassemblies 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D; in FIGS. 7, 8, 8B, 9, 10A, 15, and18. The boom subassemblies 28 can be provided and mounted on the outsidesupport member 16A of the boom subassembly 16 in various positions onthe boom 16; but in a preferred embodiment are set forth in a positionalarray where two such units 28 are provided proximate to or on the frontportion of the outside support member 16A and two of such units 28 areprovided proximate, on or toward the back portion of the outside support16A, as illustrated in the referenced drawings just above. In apreferred embodiment of the golf device 10 each of the rollersubassemblies 28 is provided with a support frame 28F which housespreferably one or two respective roller members 28R on axles or suchthat they can turn or pivot in position. The frame is secured, asindicated, to a portion of the outside support member 16A so that eachof the housed roller members 28R extend to a position which would beinside the surface of the outside support member or surfacing 16A. Inthis position on the outside support member 16A a hole, groove orreception area 16H is provided in the outside support member 16A so thateach respective roller member 28R can extend within and be positionedinside each respective hole 16H; and so that each of the respectiveroller members 28R can extend to and rest against the slideable insideguide member or surfacing 16B when in installed position inside theoutside support member 16A, as shown by example in FIG. 15; thusproviding improved ease of movement and pivotability of the inside guidemember 16B inside the outside support member 16A when the inside supportmember is activated or engaged into movement as discussed herein. Itwill be understood that the roller subassemblies 28 can be fabricatedand provided in a diverse number of materials, dimensions and structuresto fulfill the stated purpose herein of such a subassembly 28 inproviding ease of movement between the inside guide member 16B andoutside support member 16A.

The forward portion 16F of the boom subassembly 16, as illustrated byexample in FIGS. 8B, 10A, and other drawings; is provided with theslideable juxtaposition of the ends of the inside guide surfacing 16Band the outside support surfacing 16A. The inside surfacing 16B isdimensioned to have a length longer than that of the outside supportsurfacing 16A, and also dimensioned to extend a spaced distance awayfrom the outside support 16A, and the front portion thereof 16F so thatmost practicing, golfing persons can fit comfortably in relation to boththe boom subassembly 16 and the elongated base member 12A when theinside guide member 16B is extended away from the outside support member16A. In this regard, the proximate end of the inside guide member 16B inrelation to the forward portion 16F is provided with the head guidingsubassembly 30.

The head guiding subassembly 30 is provided with lateral head positionplacements 32; as shown by example in FIG. 10A, and other drawings andillustrations. The head subassembly 30 is also provided, in preferredembodiments of the invention, with head position hinge members 34 forflexible or pivotable positioning and securement of the head positionplacements 32, in the use of the head subassembly 30 to be adjusted torest on lateral or side portions of a person's head area for guidancewhile making the golf practice shot, as discussed more completelyherein. Also a part of the head subassembly 30 is the padded members 36,as illustrated by example in FIGS. 8B and 10A, and others. The headsubassembly 30 is attached to the inside guide member 16B through athreadable coupling between the two pieces. In such an arrangement, asillustrated by example at FIG. 5, a nut and threaded bolt setup isutilized where the nut portion 121A is connected to the frontal end 116Aof the inside guide member 16B and the threaded portion 121B is providedby the connection portion or end of the head subassembly 30; so that thehead subassembly 30 is connected to the inside guide member 16B. In thismanner, it will be appreciated that different head subassemblies can beattached to the guide member 16B and utilized for specific or specialpurposes. The buffer member 121C is preferably installed on the frontend of the inside guide member (16B); as illustrated by example in FIG.10A, and other drawings. The buffer 121C can be constructed from anumber of preferably flexible or semi- or partially-flexible materials;but can be constructed of hard materials as well. The buffer 121C helpsto absorb or buffer the outside support member 16A when the inside guidemember 16B comes to rest upon or proximate to the outside support member16A.

This will happen as indicated further herein when the inside guidemember 16B moves from a first position where3 it has been extended outso that the head guiding subassembly 30 is engaged with the golfer'shead, to a second position just after the golfer hits the golf ball andtrips the arm member 140 when the inside guide member is brought backunder its biasing pressure to hit and come to rest against the outsidesupport member 16A, then employing the buffer member 121C to cushion andlessen the impact of the inside guide member 16B against the outsidesupport member 16B (having been biasably and with pressure drawn andbrought to this position).

It will also be understood that a number of means for attachment of thetwo parts may be employed within the scope and view of the presentinvention, and that a number of different head subassemblies can beused. However, it is preferred to use the present construction toachieve light guiding and adjustable pressure against a practicinggolfer's head while allowing for some movement of the head, while thehead position placements 32 are adjustable themselves to the size of thegolfer's head for comfortable fit and guidance, until the golferactually strikes the golf ball; which, as further described herein,causes an activating force to pull the head subassembly 30 back and awayfrom the golfer's head. This allows the golfer to naturally followthrough with their golf club after hitting the golf ball.

In this regard, the head subassembly is further provided with a biasingmeans attachment member 37, as shown by example in FIGS. 10B, and 18.The biasing means or member 38 is attached to the attachment member 37;as shown by example in FIGS. 7, 10A, and 18. It will be understood thata diverse number of means for providing a biasing means may be employedwithin the scope and spirit of the invention. In the preferredembodiment presented herein the biasing spring, in this case,constitutes the biasing member 38.

The biasing member 38 is further attached in preferred embodiments tothe vertical attachment coupling 17; thus, in preferred embodiments thespring 38 extends in attachment from the biasing means attachment member37 to a place or portion on the vertical attachment coupling 17; asshown by example in FIGS. 7, 9, 10A, 16A, and 18. In preferredembodiments of the present invention the vertical attachment coupling 17has a latching member 117A, which in preferred embodiments is adiagonally positioned member as illustrated by example in the drawings;and a bolting member 117B; which in preferred embodiments is aU-bolt-type bolting part as illustrated by example in FIGS. 16A, 16B.and 16C. In this embodiment the diagonally positioned bolting memberextends around both the outside guide member 16A and the vertical boomsupport member 14 to hold the two members securely together. Thisembodiment also allows for adjustment of the boom subassembly 16 forpositioning in accordance with the size and height of the practicinggolfer, allowing for both rotational and vertical movement of thecoupling 17 and the attached boom subassembly 16 and guiding subassembly30, as needed and selected.

Additionally, in this embodiment the bolting member 117B in the form ofthe U-bolt-type member as shown in FIG. 16A have two projecting boltstems 117C and 117D, each of which extends around and beyond thevertical support 14 when in installed position. One of the bolt stems117C is utilized to support and secure a cable pulley member 119 and theother bolt stem is used to support and secure the biasing member 38.

Another embodiment of the vertical attachment coupling 17 is providedwith the latching member 117A and an accompanying bolting member 117B,as illustrated by examples in FIGS. 7, 9, 10A, 16A, 16B, 16C, and 18.This embodiment of the attachment coupling 17 can be positioned andsecured in a relatively straight (or perpendicular position relative tothe vertical support 14) or can be positioned and secured in variousdiagonal or other angles in relation to the vertical support's 14positioning; as shown in the cited illustrations herein. This embodimentis also provided with one or more supplementary retaining bolts 118 topositionally and securely couple and retain the bolting member 117B tothe outside guide member 16A. It will be understood within the scope andspirit of the invention that a number of attachment means can beutilized to secure, in this type of embodiment, the latching member 117Ato the outside support member 16A.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the vertical coupling 17 isillustrated by example in FIG. 17, where the vertical adjustment sleeve117 E is attached to members of the coupling 17 described in previousembodiments herein. Thus, the sleeve 117E can be adjusted and secured toa desired location on the vertical upright boom support 14 by virtue ofthe tightening component 117F on the sleeve 117E as illustrated byexample.

It will also be understood within the scope and spirit of the presentinvention that attachment of parts or elements of the inventionthroughout the inventions parts can be securely or rigidly secured (suchas through welding or other more permanent attachments), orpositionally, pivotably or adjustably attached and secured in many waysand manners to meet the stated purposes, functions and objectives of thepresent invention.

Additionally, in this regard, the cable pulley member 119, in preferredembodiments, can be movably attached to one of the bolting stems 117C or117D; as shown by example in FIGS. 7, 9, and 18. Or, the pulley 119 isattached so that it can be moved or pivotally positioned, in preferredembodiments, for operation on one of the roller subassemblies 28C or 28D; as shown by illustrative example in FIGS. 7, 8B, 10A, and 18. Asecondary cable or rope pulley is provided in preferred embodiments; asshown by example in FIGS. 9 and 10A, which is secured by the accessoryu-bolt member subassembly 124 to the vertical upright boom supportmember 14. The accessory u-bolt 124 is adjustable along the verticalsupport member 14 for ideal positioning by the practicing golf personfor positional accessibility. This set-up in the present invention isutilized for further guidance and support of the relatch cord 120.

In this regard, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, therelatch cord is attached at its lower end (or its first end) to thecollar support 14A of boom support (14); as illustrated by example inFIGS. 6 and 17, and other illustrations herein. In another, butpreferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the accessory biasing member126 is secured to the vertical support member 14 for assistance inproviding tightness or tautness, and guidance, for use of the relatchchord 120. The relatch rope, cord or cable 120, is illustrated byexample in FIG. 18 and other drawings.

The second, further or more distant end of the chord 120 is attached atthis other end of the chord 120 to the rearward or further end 116B ofthe inside guide member 16B, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 13, and 11. Thus, byutilization of the chord 120 the inside guide member 16B can be movedwithin the outside support member 16A for re-latching or resetting theinside guide member 16B to a position where the trigger-rocker arm 18Aengages and holds the inside guide member 16B for biased release, asillustrated by example in FIGS. 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15, and as describedfurther herein.

The golfing device 10 is further provided with the golf club sensingsubassembly 130, as illustrated by example in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. Thesensing subassembly 130 is provided with a forked member 132, inpreferred embodiments. The sensing switch unit 134 and the protective,cushioning and flexible tubing member 136 are, respectively, supportedby and attached to, respective fork portion 138A or further respectivefork portion 138B of the forked member 132, depending upon whether thepracticing golfer is left-handed or right-handed. The protective,cushioning and flexible tubing member 136 is utilized as a golf clubguide and protection means for helping to guide the golf club as thegolfer is swinging it to hit the golf ball, and as a protective shieldmeans to protect the switch unit 134 from potential or possible damagefrom a swinging golf club.

The forked member 132 of the club sensing subassembly 130 is attached tothe elongated base member 12A by the adjustable bolt member 139; and byvirtue of this the forked member can be pivoted to a correspondingopposite position to accommodate a left-handed or right-handedpracticing golfer. For example, the setup for accommodating aright-handed golfer is shown by example in FIG. 14; and the setup foraccommodating a left-handed golfer is shown by example in FIG. 13. In sodoing, when the practicing golfer is in position to utilize the golfingdevice 10 and hit a golf ball placed near the forked member 132, theclub sensing subassembly 130 will always be closest and most proximateto the golfer as this person stands an prepares to hit the golf ball,while the flexible tubing member 136 will be further away from thegolfer and closed or most proximate to the golf ball which has beenplaced on the ground to be hit while utilizing the present invention 10.

The sensing switch unit 134, shown by illustrated example in FIG. 12, isprovided with the arm member 140; which, in preferred embodiments, isstructured to be adjustable and extendable to accommodate for distancepreferences by practicing golfers. In this regard, the arm 140 isprovided with the adjustable sub-member 140A which is fabricated with abolt attachment such that the at least part of the arm 140 ispositionable or movable as desired before being secured into rigidposition. At one of its ends the arm member 140 is provided with, or hasattached to it, the golf club contact tubing 140B. And at the other ofits ends the arm 140 extends and is attached to the pivot connectionmember 142A of the switch unit base 142. The switch unit base 142 alsosupports as attached the push-button switch member 142B. As discussed inpart earlier herein, the switch unit base 142; and thus the sensingswitch unit 134, can be moved along the respective fork portion 138A toa desired position and then secured thereat for functional use, asillustrated by example in FIG. 12.

Thus, in the operational and functional aspects of the variousstructural elements heretofore described and linked by reference to theillustrative drawing examples cited or presented, the golfer (2) willpull the relatch cord. This will set the inside guide member 16B, underbiasing pressure, so that it is held in retained, triggering position bythe trigger rocker arm 18A, as shown by example in FIGS. 9, 11, 13, and14, and 15. The practicing golfer (2) places the golf ball (1) in frontof their position as they stand ready to hit the ball in front of andclose to, or in proximate position in relation to, the club contactswitch subassembly 25 of the forked member 132; as shown by example inFIG. 14. As the boom assembly 16 is already in cocked or triggeringposition, the golfer positions themselves so that their head region isinside the lateral head position placements 32 of the head guidingsubassembly (30. The golfer, as so positioned in relation to the forkedmember 132 and the lateral head position placements 32, proceeds toswing and hit the golf ball (1). When the golfer's golf club (5) makescontact with their golf ball (1) their club (5) will have passed andmoved the golf club contact tubing 140B of arm member (140) this willhave triggered the arm member 140 to make contact with the push-buttonswitch member 142B of the switch unit base (142). Based on the cables 21and 22 and their wiring in relation to the solenoid triggeringsubassembly 18 heretofore discussed and illustrated, the triggeringsubassembly 18 is activated so that the trigger-rocker arm 18A is movedaway from its retainment and holding of the inside guide member 16B.Because the inside guide member 16B is held under biasing pressure theguide member is pulled to a rearward position withdrawing the lateralhead position placements 32 away from the golfer (2) as the golferfollows through with their shot. This process can then be repeated topractice hitting another golf ball (1). It will be understood within thescope and spirit of the present invention 10 that another order can beutilized in placing the golf ball, golfer positioning and pulling therelatch cord to reset the device 10, or that another person could assistthem in placing the golf ball and/or resetting the device for operationagain; or with any of the details regarding adjustment of the device asdescribed herein which might be needed prior to during or after golferpositioning and the swinging of the golf club to take the shot.

Drawings herein; FIGS. 1 through 6, and related disclosure herein, setforth that the present invention can also be used in a preferredmechanical embodiment of the invention where it is not necessary toutilize electrical means. In this embodiment the present golf-practicingdevice 10 is provided with an additional cord or cable 150 which is usedwith the golf club sensing subassembly (130) so that when the ball isstruck and this moves the golf club contact tubing 140B of arm member(140) and its associated members discussed herein this causes the cordor cable 150 to affect the mechanical embodiment of the triggeringsubassembly 18 such that the same activation of the inside guide member16B takes place, and the head subassembly is moved away from thegolfer's head area.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 6 and 20 through 27. Another preferredembodiment of the present invention 10 provides for the elongated basemember 12A having the vertical upright boom support member 14 positionedand movably attached to the base 12A so that, when connected foroperation it forms a generally diagonal angle in relation to the base12A, as illustrated in the referenced FIGS. The diagonal supportsubassembly 160 is secured to the boom support member 14 so that it canbe adjusted and secured along various locations on the support member14. In this preferred embodiment a collar portion 162 of the support 160is used to connect the subassembly 160 to the support member 14.

The support subassembly 160 is further provided with the modifiedtriggering subassembly 164. The triggering subassembly 164 is providedwith an electrical activating subassembly 166, shown by example as asolenoid member, The subassembly 166 is provided with a pivotabletrigger arm extension member 168 which is connected to the modifiedbiasing trigger bolt member 169. This preferred embedment is furtherprovided with the modified boom subassembly 170.

The boom subassembly 170 is preferably elongate in structure, but can beprovided in other shapes and positional configurations. One of the endsof the boom 170 is connected to the support 160 so that it can pivot ormove in relation thereto.

The support subassembly 164 is further provided with an extensionsupport post member 172. When the post member 172 is connected foroperational use it forms a generally transverse, or 90-degree, anglewith the axis of the installed elongated base member 12A. The biasablemember 173 connects between the post member 172 and the boom subassembly170 to create a biasable force between member 172 and the boom 170. Theboom 170 is further provided at its other end with the head guidingsubassembly 30, discussed in detail herein. This preferred embodimentfurther includes the modified sensing subassembly 180.

The sensing subassembly 180 is very similar in general structure andfunction to that discussed in the description and FIGS. discussed inrelation to element numbers 130 through 150 and other such elements. Thesensing subassembly 180 is particularly provided with a first extensionleg contact member 182 and a second extension leg contact member 184.When the golfer follows through with their swing forward as they hit thegolf ball, the extension club warning member 185 will warn them if theyare swings to the side and spaced from the golf ball. Further as thegolfer follows through with the swing their leg or knee area will engageone of the extension leg contact members 182 or 184. This furtherengages a switch which provides power to the electrical activationsubassembly 166. This moves the modified trigger arm extension 168 andthe bolt member 169 so that it is withdrawn from inside the end of theof the modified boom subassembly 170, and the biasing force exerted bythe biasable member 173 between the extension support post 172 and theboom 170 forces the boom to pivot in an upward position, thus liftingthe head guiding subassembly 30 off of the golfer's head as the golferfollows through with their golf swing. Additionally, the trigger boltmember 169 is biased such that when the boom 170 is brought back down toreset and position the boom 170, and it connected head subassembly 30,the for another golf shot the bolt member 169 extends again into thatend of the boom 170 to hold it in position for the next golf shot.

Members and elements of this embodiment, and the invention as a whole,can be made and fabricated from a number of materials including, forexample, but not limited to, various types of metals, pvc-tubing invarious sizes, weights and diameters and various other types of plasticsor polymers, or plastic wood and/or metal combinations.

Thus, while preferred embodiments of the present golfing deviceinvention 10 have been described and illustrated it will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that various changes can be made regardingthe present invention without departing from the scope and spirit ofthis invention.

I claim:
 1. A golf swing improvement device having a boom assembly,supported by means for vertical support; a base assembly, the means forvertical support being attached to and secured by the base assembly forsupport thereof, and a swinging golf club sensing assembly connected toor proximate to but separate and spaced from the base assembly; thedevice further comprising: the boom assembly having an inside guidemember and an outside support member, the inside guide member beingslideable in relation to the outside support member and having frontaland backward ends, the frontal end of the inside guide member having anadjustable head assembly, attached thereto, with lateral portions forfitting around the side portions of the head of a practicing golferusing the device; means for providing a biasing force between the insideguide member and the outside support member so as to draw the insideguide member to the outside support member when extended therefrom andreleased, said means being connected and attached to the outside supportmember; the outside support member having means for triggering theactivation of the means for providing a biasing force such that theinside guide member is moved to the outside support member; the swinginggolf club sensing assembly having an arm member for transferring aactivating force or signal to the means for triggering the activation ofthe means for providing a biasing force; and means for relatching andsetting for triggering the inside guide member in relation to theoutside support member for reuse.
 2. A golf swing improvement devicehaving a boom subassembly, supported by means for diagonal support; abase subassembly, the means for diagonal support being attached to andsecured by the base assembly for positionable, diagonal support andpositioning relative to the base assembly, and a swinging golf clubsensing subassembly functionally connected to, but positionallyproximate, separate and spaced from, the base subassembly; the devicefurther comprising: the boom subassembly having first and second ends,the first end defining a trigger bolt reception channel and the secondend having a head piece coupling subassembly; a head piece subassemblybeing attached to the head piece coupling subassembly; the means fordiagonal support having a triggering subassembly attached thereto, and avertical support member attached thereto which is positioned generallytransverse to the base subassembly when functionally attached to themeans for diagonal support; the triggering subassembly having means forengaging the trigger bolt reception channel when the boom subassembly ispivotably connected to the vertical support member.